Understanding Gum Boils: Causes and Treatment for Dental Health Issues
Pericoronitis with purulent discharge? Hello, doctor. My father previously visited a dentist and was diagnosed with periodontal disease. Recently, he has developed several gum boils near his lower right teeth (around the lower incisors). When he accidentally bites down on food, t...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear QQ: Your esteemed elder is likely suffering from generalized periodontal disease, with alveolar bone resorption and periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean. As a result, the oral microorganisms can repeatedly cause infections, leading to pus formation and tooth mobil...[Read More] Understanding Gum Boils: Causes and Treatment for Dental Health Issues
Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Gum swelling issues? Hello Dr. Huang, This is the first time I've experienced this phenomenon in my life. About 3.4 days ago, I woke up in the morning and suddenly noticed that the gum near my lower left incisor was swollen. The gum feels a bit hard. I sought answers onlin...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear LION: Based on your description, it seems that the set of dentures consisting of five teeth is suffering from periodontal disease. It is not necessarily required to extract them immediately. The periodontal pockets and alveolar abscess can be addressed through incision and d...[Read More] Understanding Gum Swelling: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Should You Keep a Tiny Tooth Root When Getting Dentures?
Natural tooth root My mother's upper lateral incisors and canines were extracted due to looseness, and she is now looking to get dentures. However, there is still a small portion of natural tooth remaining from the upper lateral incisor, which has not been completely extract...
Dr. Cao Guoqing Reply:
Hello, ma'am. Whether to extract or not is a consideration for the dentist. Therefore, it may be necessary to ask the dentist why. In principle, a healthy tooth root can be retained, and it can also preserve the alveolar bone. However, having teeth also carries the risk of c...[Read More] Should You Keep a Tiny Tooth Root When Getting Dentures?
Post-Tooth Extraction Care: When to Use Bone Graft or Collagen?
lower right molar The lower right last molar underwent root canal treatment several years ago, and X-rays show a radiolucency at the apex. The wisdom tooth was extracted 18 years ago. After the molar extraction, is it necessary to immediately supplement with collagen or bone graf...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions and some recommendations: After root canal treatment, the tooth structure may become dehydrated and more prone to cracking. If an X-ray shows a radiolucency at the root, it indicates that there is sti...[Read More] Post-Tooth Extraction Care: When to Use Bone Graft or Collagen?
Understanding Dental Options: Implants vs. Bridges After Tooth Loss
Aftereffects of Tooth Extraction of the Incisors? In the past, my right front tooth accidentally fractured, and I underwent root canal treatment and had a crown placed on a small incisor that was slightly ground down. Recently, I noticed that my gums have darkened, so I went for ...
Dr. Cao Guoqing Reply:
After a tooth extraction, alveolar bone resorption is inevitable. Bone grafting can be performed to maintain the original appearance. Based on the facts you described, I recommend adhering to the principle of not disturbing the adjacent teeth. 1. Extract the anterior tooth and th...[Read More] Understanding Dental Options: Implants vs. Bridges After Tooth Loss
Understanding Sinus Issues Related to Dental Treatments and Solutions
Sinus issues? I recently completed treatment for periodontal disease, which was relatively mild and did not involve any surgery, lasting about six months. I want to undergo orthodontic treatment because my dentist also performs autogenous tooth transplantation. I have a missing t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: The position of the upper left tooth is approximately the first molar, which causes tilting of the second premolar and second molar. If the wisdom tooth is intac...[Read More] Understanding Sinus Issues Related to Dental Treatments and Solutions
Understanding Loose Teeth: Causes, Treatments, and Dental Care Tips
Loose teeth I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Two days ago, after my dental cleaning, the dentist diagnosed me with gingivitis. Over the past few days, I have noticed that a few of my teeth are loose. The dentist couldn't feel the looseness by hand, but I can f...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: 1. The examination for periodontal disease must be conducted using a special periodontal probe. If the teeth exhibit mobility, it indicates that the supporting alveolar bone around the teeth has been compromised, which is a sign of periodontal disease. 2. Complete periodon...[Read More] Understanding Loose Teeth: Causes, Treatments, and Dental Care Tips
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take from Extraction to Completion?
How long does it take to complete dental implant surgery? I plan to get dental implants this year. Could you please tell me how many months it will take from tooth extraction to bone grafting, implant placement, and the final restoration? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: Before dental implant placement, it is essential to assess for periodontal disease or any lesions in the alveolar bone, as well as the width and height of the ...[Read More] How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take from Extraction to Completion?
Understanding Periodontal Inflammation: Is Bone Grafting Effective?
Frequent dental inflammation? Hello Dr. Yang, In the past year, I have been experiencing frequent inflammation in my upper right back tooth. When it flares up, I am unable to chew food, and there is pain when I bite down. A dental clinic in Miaoli mentioned that my periodontal c...
Dr. Yang Zhiren Reply:
Hello: First, look at the periodontal pocket and periapical X-ray of this tooth. If there is vertical periodontal bone loss, bone grafting can be effective; however, if there is horizontal periodontal bone loss, the effect is limited. If the tooth has significant mobility, it ind...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Inflammation: Is Bone Grafting Effective?
Understanding Yellow-White Bumps in Your Mouth: Causes and Concerns
There are yellowish-white small lesions on both sides of the oral cavity? Dear Doctor, I hope this message finds you well. I apologize for the intrusion, but I have two small oral issues I would like to consult you about. First, I have noticed hard lumps in my upper and lower ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, small hard lumps on the gums that are not painful and do not exude pus may be caused by bony growths, resulting in small pearl-like ha...[Read More] Understanding Yellow-White Bumps in Your Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dental X-Rays: Safety, Concerns, and Necessity
Regarding the X-rays used by dentists? Hello, Doctor: I visited the dentist the other day, and he asked me to get an X-ray. I was a bit scared and hesitantly went into the machine, biting down on a T-shaped rod for about 10 seconds while watching the machine rotate in front of me...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: Generally speaking, when an X-ray machine rotates once, the resulting X-ray film is called a panoramic radiograph. Its primary purpose is to examine the hard tissue...[Read More] Understanding Dental X-Rays: Safety, Concerns, and Necessity
Should You See a Dentist Immediately After a Dental Injury?
Do I need to see a dentist immediately? Hello, Dr. Tseng! My mother was involved in a car accident on January 8, 2007. Due to the impact, she suffered four broken upper front teeth, two of which were pushed into the gums. It has been over 20 days since the incident, and she still...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
A collision resulted in a fractured upper incisor, with two teeth being intruded into the gums or alveolar bone due to the impact force. This condition is referred to as intrusion. In younger children or adolescents, there is a possibility that the intruded teeth may gradually er...[Read More] Should You See a Dentist Immediately After a Dental Injury?
Can a Dental Fistula Heal on Its Own Without Surgery?
Will a gum fistula heal on its own over time? I have a tooth that previously underwent root canal treatment, and it has now been diagnosed with a fistula. For a while, it was draining pus, but after using mouthwash and avoiding biting with that tooth, it has improved somewhat. Is...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If a tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment develops a periodontal fistula, it indicates that the infection within the root canal was not completely eradicated after the treatment and has spread to the surrounding alveolar bone, leading to the formation of a fistul...[Read More] Can a Dental Fistula Heal on Its Own Without Surgery?
Understanding Tooth Pain and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Guide
Dental issues and medication problems? Dear Doctor, a few days ago I visited a dentist due to tooth pain. After drilling the tooth, I still felt pain. The dentist mentioned that there might be inflammation inside the tooth and prescribed me VORENK for inflammation and pain relief...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Pulpitis refers to the inflammation of the dental pulp nerves. Due to the infection of the nerves near the pulp tissue, there is typically spontaneous pain. If pulpitis becomes severe, it can lead to pulp necrosis, resulting in purulent material formation. If the infection extend...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Pain and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Do All Apex Lesions Cause Pain?
Clinical assessment by the physician If a physician clinically determines that the nerve is necrotic and X-rays show periapical lesions, then root canal treatment is indeed necessary. However, if there are periapical lesions, does that mean the tooth will definitely hurt? Is it t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Apical lesions generally occur after the pulp nerve has necrosed, leading to the spread of infectious purulent material to the surrounding alveolar bone, resulting in apical pathology. The tooth may not necessarily be painful, but if the apical lesion is larger, there will be not...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Do All Apex Lesions Cause Pain?
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction Healing and Complications
Healing of wisdom teeth? Hello! I had my wisdom teeth extracted today, and during the procedure, the doctor found that one part of my tooth root was missing. They searched for a long time but couldn't find it, and it didn't show up on the X-ray. If it remains in the jaw...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is no infection, then there is no issue; otherwise, further treatment by a physician is necessary. 2. Bone grafting material can help maintain the alveolar bone and reduce bone resorption; it is beneficial to use, but it is not absolutely necessary. 3. Healing ...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction Healing and Complications
Understanding Painless Cavities: Why Dead Nerves Don't Hurt
The issue of dental caries? I recently went for a dental check-up, and the X-ray revealed that I have cavities. When the dentist drilled into the tooth, I didn't feel any pain, and the doctor mentioned that the nerve inside the tooth had already died, requiring root canal tr...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If a tooth has cavities and instruments can penetrate deep into the tooth without causing pain, it indicates that the dental nerve has already died, necessitating root canal treatment. Otherwise, the necrotic pulp tissue may become infected, spreading to the alveolar bone and lea...[Read More] Understanding Painless Cavities: Why Dead Nerves Don't Hurt
Understanding Dental Bridges: Options After Second Molar Extraction
Second molar Hello Doctor: I have had my lower right second molar and wisdom tooth extracted, but my lower left molars are still intact. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. If I want to have a dental bridge for the lower right second molar, do I have to grind down t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. The extraction of the lower right second molar and wisdom tooth results in the absence of teeth following the lower right first molar. Using a Maryland bridge to restore the second molar is not advisable due to insufficient support (only relying on the anterior first molar). ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Bridges: Options After Second Molar Extraction
Understanding Dental Cysts: Recurrence, Risks, and Treatment Options
Dental cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the jaw or around the teeth, often as a result of infection, inflammation, or the presence of a tooth that has not erupted? Hello Dr. Wu, I hope it's not too forward of me to ask a question. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: I can understand your feelings; it must have been very difficult to travel all the way from Hsinchu to Taipei. However, I believe that the vast majority of physicians wish to provide the best service to their patients and hope that patients receive the best medical care. D...[Read More] Understanding Dental Cysts: Recurrence, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gum Recession After Dental Crowns: Causes and Concerns
Gums after getting dentures or dental braces? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about a dental crown issue. I have three crowns on the upper left canine area, with the middle one being a tooth that was extracted. The crowns have been in place for several years. Recently, I no...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Miss Hsiao-Mei: After tooth extraction, the alveolar bone will undergo resorption because the area where the tooth was has become vacant. Consequently, after some time, the gums in that area may appear recessed compared to the adjacent teeth. Therefore, maintaining good dental he...[Read More] Understanding Gum Recession After Dental Crowns: Causes and Concerns